Djokovic wants to take it 'season by season' ahead of new campaign

The Melbourne Park hard courts have been consistently ruled by the Serbian superstar, with an astonishing record of 10 Australian Open titles. He seeks to add an 11th title to his impressive resume next month.

Beginning his preparations at the ATP-WTA United Cup in Perth on Sunday, he enters after yet another remarkable season that saw him clinch three more Grand Slam crowns, tallying his total to a record 24.

Among these victories was another triumph at the Australian Open, where he triumphed over Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in a fiercely contested 2023 final, securing the win with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5).

Djokovic's dominance at the Australian Open is undeniable, having emerged victorious in four of the last five tournaments. The only exception was in 2022 when he was excluded from the competition due to his refusal to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

Expressing his excitement about returning to Australia, Djokovic revealed his affinity for the country and its courts. He spoke of his optimism for future participation, acknowledging the tremendous support he has received throughout the years. However, he remains unsure about his plans for the upcoming year and prefers to take each season step by step, allowing his performance to dictate his trajectory.

During Djokovic's absence in 2022, his long-standing rival Rafael Nadal seized the opportunity to claim his second Australian Open title, a decade after his initial triumph in 2009 at Melbourne Park.

After taking a year off from the sport due to hip surgery, Nadal (37) returns to the court at the Brisbane International this week. The stage is set for one last chapter in the illustrious rivalry between the two tennis greats.

Djokovic, known for his resilience against injuries, anticipates a fierce competitive drive from the 22-time Grand Slam champion. He acknowledges Nadal's unwavering desire to excel and achieve greatness, which has solidified his legendary status in the sport.